In winter, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts love heading out to explore snow-covered trails. For walkers, snowshoes are an excellent alternative for discovering new horizons.
Why go snowshoeing?
Affordable, accessible to all and synonymous with freedom and adventure, snowshoeing has become one of the most popular winter mountain activities. It delivers both enjoyment and physical exercise. It lets you explore every corner of the mountain, away from the crowds on the pistes. And you can share it with family, friends or a partner. Using hiking poles can help when snowshoeing. They are not essential, but they help you maintain balance — especially when the snow is deep and you sink in.
Is snowshoeing difficult?
Just as with regular hiking, some routes are easy and others less so. One thing is certain: snowshoeing is not particularly difficult if you choose a route suited to your level.
How do you choose your snowshoes?
Good snowshoes should be lightweight, ergonomic and durable. Snowshoes are predominantly made from plastic or aluminium, with some high-end models featuring carbon inserts. Plastic snowshoes are the most widespread thanks to their excellent value for money and all-round durability, making them ideal for occasional leisure use. Aluminium snowshoes, being lighter, deliver better performance on long or very long outings. For those who prioritise speed and low weight, certain models feature carbon inserts to reduce kit weight as much as possible. For occasional users, opt for flexible snowshoes that reproduce the natural movement of the foot as closely as possible. If you venture onto steep terrain, on-piste and/or off-piste, you need snowshoes with excellent stability and good grip. Go for models with solid crampons under the forefoot.
Photo by Alain Wong on Unsplash
What should you wear for snowshoeing?
Here is a checklist to help you pack your bag:
- A 1st layer or base layer: ideally, wear synthetic or merino wool base layers, which are particularly effective at wicking away moisture.
- A 2nd layer: wear a fleece to insulate your body from the cold.
- A 3rd layer: your jacket should be waterproof and breathable to handle any weather. Choose a hooded model to protect you in wind or snow.
- Trousers: warm and stretchy, they should be able to open at the lower leg or side to release moisture during exertion.
- Sunglasses: opt for a wraparound model with side protection and a filter category of 3 or 4.
- Gloves: they should not be too rigid, but above all warm and waterproof.
- A beanie
4 good reasons to go snowshoeing
- A great workout: snowshoeing works your entire body, right down to the smallest muscles.
- Low cost: apart from the initial equipment purchase, rental is also possible (very affordable) and no lift pass is required.
- Anywhere, all winter long: Whatever your winter destination, you can strap on your snowshoes and head out on an adventure. You will still need to keep an eye on the weather. After that, you can walk wherever you like — resorts usually have marked paths set up for exactly that purpose.
- All levels, including beginners: snowshoeing can be practised by absolutely anyone. No prior experience or special ability is needed.
Where can you go snowshoeing?
Lac Blanc resort offers 5 marked trails for snowshoeing at the heart of the Ballons des Vosges regional nature park, opening up magnificent snow-covered panoramas.
In the Jura, on the marked trails of the Haut-Jura regional nature park. More specifically, at the 4 Nordic sites of Grandvaux offering snowshoeing circuits from 2 to 9 km.
In the Massif Central, you will find the best routes for snowshoeing. Beginners can start with the Les Plaines circuit, while the more adventurous can hike up to the summit of Puy Gros at 1,485 metres. All of this surrounded by spectacular panoramas of lakes and snow-covered volcanoes.
